Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15188ST - National Classic Tour First Edition Unpolished
It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no surprise that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world. While the initial 5402 was time-only, AP quickly began to capitalize on the success of the Royal Oak and begin to integrate other complications and variations into this case.
The Royal Oak that we have here is something very special and exceedingly rare.
Dating to circa 2005, this 'mid size' Ref. 15188ST was produced for a vintage car rally with just 20 units in total.
Nearly identical in overall construction to its much more well-known sibling, the Ref. 14790, this piece features a 36mm case with a matching integrated bracelet, a signed screw-down crown, and an automatic-winding movement within. The overall condition of this particular example is nothing short of outstanding, with strong and defined finishing present throughout, a 'stiff' bracelet, and showing only light signs of wear from gently use. Inside, it is the dial that visually separates this piece from its siblings. Silver in color, the center section of the dial feature a familiar 'tapisserie' textured surface, with a sunburst ring around the outside which bears the applied luminous indices and date aperture at 3 o'clock. Below the 'Audemars Piguet' script on the top half is a winged steering wheel logo of the race for which the piece was commissioned for, which can also be found when you flip the watch over in additional to 'The National Classic Tour' and 'Limited Edition.'
This highly elusive edition of a beloved model is easily one of the rarest Royal Oaks that we have ver offered on the site, and an exemplary example at that.
Condition Report & Details
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Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
- Warranty does not cover internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
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